terrible

1 of 2

adjective

ter·​ri·​ble ˈter-ə-bəl 

ˈte-rə-

1

: extremely bad: such as

a

: notably unattractive or objectionable

terrible behavior

b

: of very poor quality

a terrible movie

c

: strongly repulsive : obnoxious

a terrible smell

2

a

: difficult

in a terrible bind

b

: formidable in nature : awesome

a terrible responsibility

c

: exciting extreme alarm or intense fear : terrifying

3

: extreme, great

a terrible disappointment

terribleness noun

terribleness

2 of 2

noun

ter·​ri·​ble·​ness

plural -es

: the quality or state of being terrible

Synonyms of terrible

Adjective

• horrible
• terrifying
• formidable
• frightening
• scary

Examples of terrible in a Sentence

Adjective

Traffic was held up by a terrible accident.

I have a terrible cold.

The service at that restaurant is terrible.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

This moment demands invention… This is a terrible moment for humanitarian aid. — Jeannie Annan, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026

Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn called the crash a terrible tragedy. — ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026

If/when that day comes, that person should be pelted with rocks and garbage until (s)he stops having terrible ideas. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Deputy Duran, himself, was also a victim of a terrible tragedy. — Corey Williams, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin terribilis, from terrēre to frighten — more at terror

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2c

Phrases Containing terrible

• enfant terrible

Rhymes for terrible

• arable
• bearable
• parable
• wearable
• repairable
• unbearable

Kids Definition

terrible

adjective

ter·​ri·​ble ˈter-ə-bəl 

1

: causing terror or awe : fearful, dreadful

a terrible disaster

2

a

: very great in degree

made a terrible mess

a terrible cold

b

: very bad in quality

terrible music

terribly

-blē 

adverb